THE DEVON HORSE SHOW CELEBRATES ITS 126TH YEAR

The Devon Horse Show

Celebrates Its 126th Year!

Story by Laurel Anderson Photos by Brenda Carpenter

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE signs of Spring — and further evidence that things are truly returning to normal — is the announcement of the Devon Horse Show schedule. This tradition is anticipated each year by world-class equestrians competing for prizes, families looking for fun, and pony riders filled with dreams. When the show posted its 2022 schedule on its website, we all savored our plans for the 11 days of festivities on the fabled show grounds.

This year celebrates 126 years of extraordinary athleticism, horsemanship and family fun, when the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair opens on Thursday, May 26th and continues filling the days and nights with festivities inside and outside the rings through June 5th at its historic home grounds just off Lancaster Avenue.

A fixture on the social calendar, the Devon Horse Show is the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse show in North America. If you’re a fan, you’ve surely missed the past two-year hiatus. If you’re yet to become a fan, we urge you to join in the fun.

FAMILY FUN

FAMILIES HAVE LOOKED FORWARD TO the Devon Horse Show, and especially the fun at the County Fair, for generations. From the towering Ferris wheel lighting up the night sky to the classic carousel with carved horses, there’s plenty to do on the Midway, including snacking on fried Oreos, cotton candy and ice cream as well as crowd-favorites like Devon fudge and lemon sticks.

Make plans to come on Family Days, Thursday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 31, with special activities planned for everyone — that means entertainment, food and fun all day long. And come back for the Itty Bitty Tea Party on Sunday, May 29 (reservations required) and the Itty Bitty Hat Parade on Sunday, June 5, with crafts before the parade to create a charming chapeau or other take-aways.

You can celebrate Memorial Day at Devon as it follows the tradition of honoring our community heroes, including local military and emergency responders.

When you get hungry or thirsty, perk up with a stop at Reading Coffee Company, or visit the Devon Garden Café or Sips & Bits for snacks, grab-and-go plates and signature cocktails. The beloved burgers, hot dogs, pizza and fries are still available along Food Alley, plus traditional tea sandwiches from the Tea Cart.

As always, Clydesdale Corner serves beer, hard seltzer and cocktails, while the Wine Gazebo offers wine, beer and hard seltzer. New this year is online ordering from Carlino’s Market, where you can get a tempting charcuterie board to enjoy as you while the away the afternoon.

And of course there’s plenty of boutique shopping at the Country Fair. Want a new Devon souvenir? In addition to classic caps, tees and sweatshirts of years past, designer Julia Gash created iconic Devon scenes for specialty home goods (including platters, aprons and notebooks) and Kailey Smith has new Devon blue fashions. For the men, Bird Dog Bay Silks unveils a new trophy print for silk ties and bow ties.

Make family memories here this year.

ACTION IN THE RINGS

COME TO THE DEVON HORSE SHOW TO SEE world-class horsemanship in a wide variety of events, in addition to the breed show. Watch the Hunters and Jumpers, Saddlebreds and Hackneys, Sidesaddle and Lead Line. You’ll see Roadsters, Unicorns and Carriage Driving, too.

The Carriage Pleasure Drive on Sunday, May 29, starts at St. David’s Church cemetery grounds for preliminary judging, while spectators enjoy picnicking. There’s a chance to compete in the Spectator Picnic contest before the carriages head out for their drive through Devon neighborhoods on their way to the Dixon Oval at the Horse Show grounds.

For the youngsters, there’s Junior Weekend at the opening of the show and the perennial favorite, the colorful, costumed Pony Hunt Club teams. And of course, the munchkins in the Lead Line are a highlight, where adorable kiddos in the under-3 and under-5 groups are led around the Dixon Oval for their moment in the main ring. Ribbons are awarded, but everyone gets a Devon-blue lollypop.

Our canine friends get the spotlight on Thursday, May 26, for the Dog Show in the Dixon Oval. Watch the Walk-trot, Jumper and Tricks classes along with the Lead Line costume contest parade.

For those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at things, the free Back Barn Tours return on Tuesday, May 31, so you can get an up-close and personal look at what’s happening.

The excitement mounts with the Devon Arena Eventing contest on May 29, with action spanning the Dixon Oval and Wheeler Ring, over a course with 30 show jumps as riders compete for the $50,000 prize. Earlier in the show, a fast paced relay race, the Mounted Games, features the skills and teamwork of younger riders, while Junior Jumpers take to the ring on Friday night, May 27, clearing 4'6" jumps.

And the highlight each year is the spectacular Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, Thursday, June 2, featuring some of the best-known riders. Thrill to equine athletes carrying their riders gracefully over the towering jumps to win the $250,000 purse. Reserve your seats early for this sold-out night.

There’s plenty of action in the Dixon Oval, Wheeler Ring and behind the scenes for days of thrills at the Devon Horse Show.

AND MORE …

FIRST NIGHT AT DEVON IS ANOTHER TRADITION that’s highly anticipated — the kick-off to the Horse Show and Country Fair. This festive evening on Wednesday, May 25, before the show’s official opening, features an elegant cocktail reception for about 200 guests as well as artists with works on display at the Devon Art Gallery. Friends of art, horsemanship and philanthropy mingle at this fundraiser as they preview and purchase original art on display, including the official 2022 poster, created by Elise Phillips. Tickets are $125.

Stop in throughout the run of the show to see the two-room cottage that’s home to the Devon Art Gallery. Art created by 50 new and returning artists covers the walls in this unique juried show. You’ll find horses, landscapes and delightful works on display. Visit in person and virtually to choose a piece and add a red dot to claim it as your own.

Another highlight of the show is Ladies Day, Wednesday, June 1, when guests enjoy live music, an elegant reception and the highly anticipated Hat Contests. Local and celebrity judges pick the best hats in five categories, including Plume of the Day. This year’s theme is “Feathers and Frocks,” so plan your outfit accordingly! Tickets are required for some events, including the catered lunch at the Devon Club.

Want to win a Devon Blue Ribbon, no horse required? You do need a Devon box, though, to enter the Grandest of the Grandstands competition on Friday, June 3. Bring your finest food, flowers, props and dress to the nines to create your own theme for your Devon box and join in the fun. Best Food and Best Theme awards await those in single and group/sky boxes.

And finally, the Plant Sale marks the closing of the show to find new homes for the lovely plants and flowers that have adorned the grounds. It’s scheduled for around 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 5.

Until next year!

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Devon Horse Show & Country Fair WHERE: Devon Horse Show Grounds, Lancaster Ave., Devon WHEN: May 26–June 5; 8 a.m. to around 10 p.m. INFORMATION: DevonHorseShow.net & Facebook BENEFICIARY: Bryn Mawr Hospital

D EVON H ORSE S HOW & C OUNTRY FAIR

MAY 26 – JUNE 5, 2022

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Your Guide to 11 Days of Fun at the Devon Horse Show & Country Fair

Wednesday–May 25

First Night Event Art Gallery at Devon

Thursday–May 26

Junior Weekend –Family Day Entertainment, food & fun for the entire family. Don’t miss the Devon Dog Contest in the Dixon Oval at 7 p.m.

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b WIHS Equitation Jumper b USEF Talent Search

Wheeler Ring, 7:30 a.m.

b Pony Hunter Breeding b Best Young Pony b PHBHA Trophy b Leading Pony Breeder

Handler Award b Dover Saddlery Equestrian

Medal

Friday–May 27

Visit the official Souvenir booth for all new 2022 merchandise and get an early start at the 60+ vendors. evening highlights include the USPC Mounted Games and Junior Jumpers!”

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b ASPCA Maclay & R.W.

Mutch Equitation Champ. b Junior Hunters

Wheeler Ring, 8 a.m.

b Pony Hunters

Dixon Oval, 8 p.m.

b Exhibition: USPC Mounted Games b Junior Jumpers

Saturday–May 28

It’s all about kids today. The adorabe Lead Line class starts at 1 p.m.

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b Junior Hunters b Lead Line b Devon Grand Jr. Hunter Ch. b Best Child Rider on a Horse

Wheeler Ring, 8 a.m.

b Pony Hunters b Devon Grand Pony Hunter Ch. b Best Child Rider on a Pony b Pony Sportsmanship Award b Pony Hunt Teams

Dixon Oval, 7 p.m.

b Exhibition: Radnor Hunt Hounds b Junior Jumper Classic b Junior Jumpers b Leading Jumper Rider Award Sunday–May 29

Cheer on Carriage Drivers as they travel through the streets of Devon. Visit the Carriage Party at St. David’s and the Itty Bitty Tea Party.

Dixon Oval, 11 a.m.

b Children’s Jumper

Dixon Oval, 1 p.m.

b Exhibition b Carriage Pleasure Drive b Championship Drive Off b Pleasure Drive Amateur

Whip Award b Junior Jumpers

Dixon Oval, 7 p.m.

b $50,000 Arena Eventing Memorial Day Monday–May 30

A special recognition ceremony will honor community heroes featuring local military and emergency responders, 6:30 p.m. Free gen. adm. for military personnel, first responders and their families.

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b Exhibition b Tribute to Heroes b Hunter Classes

Wheeler Ring, following Hunter

b Hunter Classes

Dixon Oval, 7 p.m.

b NAL Adult Jumper Classic b Adult Jumper Championship b Pony Races b Coaching b Single/Pair Pony Driving b Single/Pair Pony Ch. Tuesday–May 31

Family Day

Entertainment, food and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss a behindthe-scenes look at the barns on the Devon Horse Show grounds.

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b Exhibition b Hunter Classes

Wheeler Ring, 9 a.m.

b Young Jumpers

Dixon Oval, 7 p.m.

b Jet Run Devon

Welcome Stake b Single Horse Driving b Coaching b Coach Horn Competition b Single Horse Ch. Wednesday–June 1

Ladies Day

Ladies Day at Devon! Ladies Side Saddle Classes and the Ladies Hat Contest and luncheon event.

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b Hunter Classes b Leading Lady Rider Award b Leading Mare Award b Devon Grand Hunter Ch. b Devon Leading Hunting Rider b Leading Groom Award

Dixon Oval, Noon

b Ladies Side Saddle b Ladies Side Saddle Ch.

Dixon Oval, 1:30 p.m.

b Hackeys & Jumpers b Open & Junior Park Pleasure

Dixon Oval, 7 p.m.

b Devon International

Speed Stake b Hackneys b Saddlebreds b Coaching b Pleasure Driving b Saddlebred Show

Pleasure Driving Thursday–June 2

$250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix.

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b Main Line Challenge b USHJA $25,000 Internat’l

Hunter Derby

Dixon Oval, 4:30 p.m.

Devon at Sunset b Pleasure Driving b Roadster Pony & Horse b Coaching — Performance b Hackney/Harness Pony

Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon

There’s nothing more thrilling that the Sapphire Grand Prix.

Dixon Oval 8 p.m.

b Open Jumpers–FEI $250,000 Sapphire Grand Prix b McDevitt Style Award

Friday–June 3

Highlight tonight is the “Grandest of the Grand Box Contest.” Don’t let the week end without tea sandwiches and iced tea from the Tea Cart. The Devon Speed Derby is one to watch!

to JUNE 5

Dixon Oval, 7:30 a.m.

b A/O Jumpers & Hunters b Pleasure Driving b Roadster Pony

Wheeler Ring, 8 a.m.

b Local Hunters

Dixon Oval, 7 p.m.

b Open Jumpers —

Devon Speed Derby b Coaching Championship & Coach Horn b Pleasure Driving Ch. b Fine Harness Ch. b Hackney Pony Ch. b Roadster Pony Ch. Saturday–June 4

The winner of this year’s Devon Derby is announced tonight! The evening’s Idle Dice Jumper Stake is beyond exciting!

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b Amateur/Owner Hunters b Saddlebreds & Hackneys b Devon Grand Amateur /

Owner Hunter Ch. b Saddlebreds & Hackneys b Devon Leading Amateur /

Owner Hunter Rider b Country Pleasure Driving Ch. b Amateur Jumper Ch. b Amateur Jumper Leading

Rider

Wheeler Ring, 8:30 a.m.

b Amateur/Owner 3’3”

Hunters b Grand A/O Hunter Ch. b Local Hunters b Local Hunter Sportsmanship b Working Fox Hunter

Dixon Oval, 6:45 p.m.

b Open Jumper Stake b Leading Open Jumper b Leading Lady Rider b Roadster Horse Ch. b Hackney/Harness Pony Ch. Sunday–June 5

Children’s Day featuring the IttyBitty Hat Parade & Plant Sale.

Dixon Oval, 8 a.m.

b Hunter Breeding Division b Best PA Bred Horse b Leading PA Handler Award b Best Thoroughbred b Best Yearling & Young Horse b Leading Handler Award b Amateur/Junior Handler b Young Hunter Under Saddle ©